Numerous journalists who attended the Mahagathbandhan rally held at Patna's iconic Gandhi Maidan on Sunday have reported an unsettling encounter with a disorderly assembly, alleging that a group of individuals forcibly seized their possessions, including mobile phones, wallets, and microphones.
The unsettling episode unfolded amidst the fervor of the 'Jan Vishwas Maha Rally,' particularly when the crowd erupted in cheers as Tejashwi Yadav ascended the stage. Positioned within the designated media gallery at the forefront of the stage, these journalists, armed with valid entry passes, found themselves amidst a surge of enthusiastic attendees. However, the atmosphere swiftly soured as the swelling mass breached security barricades, breaching into the media enclave.
In response to the distressing ordeal faced by the media personnel, multiple FIRs have been lodged, detailing the thefts of their essential belongings, including communication devices and personal effects.
Expressing outrage over the reported mistreatment of journalists, BJP leader Nikhil Anand condemned the incident, denouncing Rahul Gandhi's purported condemnation of the media and holding RJD activists accountable for the attacks.
Contrarily, RJD spokesperson Mrityunjay Tiwari attributed the unfortunate turn of events to what he deemed as an "administrative failure," squarely placing blame on both the central government and the Nitish Kumar-led administration for their purported inability to maintain order and ensure the safety of attendees and journalists alike.
Tiwari went on to allege that the lack of effective intervention by the authorities facilitated the intrusion of disruptive elements intent on sabotaging the Mahagathbandhan's agenda during the rally proceedings.
